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Control arm bushings play a pivotal role in your vehicle’s suspension system. They cushion the connection between the control arm and chassis, absorb road shocks, and help maintain proper wheel alignment. Over time, these rubber or polyurethane components can wear out, leading to clunking noises, uneven tire wear, and poor handling. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of control arm bushings, focusing on the Control Arm Bushing 48655-12190 , walk you through how do you replace control arm bushings, discuss changing lower control arm bushings, explore front lower control arm bushings repair cost, and finish with a helpful FAQ.
A control arm bushing is a wearable component made of rubber, polyurethane, or a blend of both. It sits at each end of the control arm—one side attached to the vehicle’s frame and the other to the steering knuckle or subframe. Its primary functions are to:
Absorb vibration and road shocks
Allow controlled movement of the suspension
Maintain wheel alignment under dynamic loads
Over time, exposure to heat, oil, water, and mechanical stress causes the material to deteriorate, leading to the symptoms we’ll explore next.
The Control Arm Bushing 48655-12190 is widely used in many Japanese and Korean vehicle platforms due to its precise fit, durable rubber compound, and OEM-equivalent performance. Key advantages include:
Exact fitment: No modifications needed
High-quality material: Resists cracking and tearing
Affordability: Competitive pricing—ideal for both DIYers and shops
Whether you’re changing lower control arm bushings yourself or seeking a stocking part for a repair shop, this part number is a go‑to choice.
Recognizing worn bushings early can save you from costly suspension damage. Common indicators include:
Clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps
Poor steering response or wandering feel at highway speeds
Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges
Vibrations through the steering wheel
Excessive camber or toe changes on alignment checks
If you notice any of these symptoms, inspect your control arm bushings promptly.
Before embarking on how do you replace control arm bushings, gather the following:
Jack and jack stands (rated for your vehicle’s weight)
Wheel chocks
Basic socket set (including 17 mm, 19 mm, and 21 mm sockets)
Breaker bar or impact wrench
Bushing press kit or hydraulic press (for precise installation)
Torque wrench (to factory specifications)
Penetrating oil (e.g., PB Blaster)
Hammer and drift punch
Rubber mallet
Replacement Control Arm Bushing 48655-12190 (quantity as needed)
Grease or assembly lube
Having everything prepped will make changing lower control arm bushings smoother and safer.
Below is a thorough guide on how do you replace control arm bushings. Follow each step carefully and refer to your vehicle’s service manual for torque specifications and alignment procedures.
Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
Chock rear wheels to prevent movement.
Loosen lug nuts on the front wheels slightly before jacking up.
Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and secure it on jack stands under the subframe.
Remove the front wheels to access the control arms.
Spray penetrating oil on all nuts, bolts, and bushing edges; let it soak for 10 minutes.
Unbolt the control arm from the chassis and steering knuckle—retain hardware if reusing.
Clean the control arm with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
Position the arm in the bushing press or hydraulic press.
Press out the old bushing slowly, ensuring the arm is supported evenly to avoid twisting.
Inspect the bore—remove any burrs or corrosion that might hinder the new bushing’s fit.
Apply a thin layer of grease or assembly lube to the bushing outer shell.
Align the bushing with the control arm’s bore, ensuring correct orientation of any locator tabs.
Use the press kit with adapters sized for the bushing and arm; press the new bushing in evenly.
Tap gently with a rubber mallet if needed to seat the bushing fully—avoid metal-on-metal blows.
Check alignment by measuring distance from the bushing face to a fixed point; compare left and right arms.
Reinstall the control arm to the chassis and knuckle using the appropriate hardware.
Tighten bolts by hand first to ensure no cross-threading.
Lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height, then torque all bolts to spec.
Install wheels, lower fully to the ground, and torque lug nuts to specification.
Perform a wheel alignment to factory camber and toe settings—critical after any suspension work.
When budgeting for front lower control arm bushings repair cost, consider both parts and labor. Prices vary by region, shop rate, and whether you tackle the job yourself.
| Part Number | Brand | Unit Price | Quantity Needed | Total Parts Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48655-12190 | SQ Car Parts | $25–$35 USD | 2 | $50–$70 USD |
Table 1: Typical cost for OEM‑equivalent Control Arm Bushing 48655-12190.
Independent shop: $150–$250 USD per side (1.5–2.5 hours labor)
Dealership: $300–$450 USD per side (higher hourly rate)
DIY: No labor charge, but factor in tool rental (≈$40–$60 USD/day)
Combining parts and labor, a full replacement on both sides at a shop typically runs $350–$600 USD.
| Factor | DIY | Professional Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Parts + tool rental | Parts + labor |
| Skill Level | Intermediate mechanical skills | Certified technicians |
| Time Investment | 4–6 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Warranty | None | Often 12–24 months |
| Tools Required | Bushing press, torque wrench | Shop presses & lifts |
Table 2: Comparing DIY vs. professional replacement.
Inspect bushings every 30,000 miles for cracks, tears, or separation.
Keep suspension clean—wash off road salt and grime to reduce rubber degradation.
Use high‑quality grease if installing polyurethane bushings to prevent squeaks and premature wear.
Address alignment issues promptly; misalignment accelerates bushing wear.
A: Typically, OEM rubber bushings last 80,000–100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Aggressive driving or rough roads can shorten this lifespan.
A: It’s best to replace bushings in pairs (both left and right) to ensure balanced suspension behavior and even handling.
A: Rubber bushings offer a smoother, quieter ride but wear faster. Polyurethane bushings are more durable and improve handling at the cost of slightly increased NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).
A: Any suspension component replacement—including bushings—can affect geometry. Always perform a wheel alignment afterward to restore proper camber, caster, and toe.
A: Uneven tire wear, slight steering wander, or a subtle change in ride quality can precede audible clunks or squeaks.
Addressing worn control arm bushings is crucial for safe, predictable handling and prolonging the life of your tires and suspension components. Whether you’re changing lower control arm bushings yourself or entrusting the job to professionals, choosing the right parts makes a world of difference.
For reliable, OEM‑equivalent components like the Control Arm Bushing 48655-12190, we recommend SQ Car Parts. Their bushings offer precision fit, durability, and excellent value—backed by responsive customer service.
Email: songquan-auto@foxmail.com
Phone: +86-18033116625
Choose SQ Car Parts for your next suspension maintenance, and enjoy confidence on every drive.
